A tincture is a concentrated liquid form of one or more herbs, made by soaking the bark, berries, leaves (dried or fresh), or roots from one or more plants in alcohol or vinegar for a specific time. The alcohol or vinegar pulls out the active ingredients in the plant parts, concentrating them as a liquid. Tinctures are a key component of traditional herbal medicine and have been used for millennia. They are easy to consume and make it easy to consume the natural health-boosting chemicals found in some plants. Tinctures can be made at home and are usually inexpensive to make.

Tinctures can be made using various parts of the plant, including dried leaves, bark, berries, roots, and fresh leaves. Alcohol is often the liquid of choice, as it can extract components that are not water-soluble. Vinegar can also be used as a solvent. Tinctures can be measured with droppers, allowing for easy dosing and customization of the dose.

Tinctures can be used for a wide range of issues, including indigestion, stress, PMS, pain, and insomnia. Some tinctures are inhaled or applied to the skin. However, it is important to remember that most tinctures come under the “supplement” category for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their health effects are unclear and not well-studied. It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting any type of herbal remedy regimen.